Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky will defend their WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship against The Irresistible Forces – Nia Jax and Lash Legend – on the February 27th episode of SmackDown, just days before Ripley enters the Elimination Chamber match on February 28th.
The pairing of Ripley and Sky, known as RHIYO, has proven successful, despite their contrasting personalities, and backgrounds. Sky, the “Genius of the Sky,” credits Ripley with providing support as she navigates language and cultural challenges within WWE.
“Sometimes I may struggle with English or culture,” Sky said. “So, she is always helping me with a lot of those things. She is such a sweet person. She is amazing.”
The duo’s dynamic extends beyond the ring. While Ripley embraces a darker aesthetic and enjoys genres like horror, Sky prefers to avoid frightening content. “She likes horror movies. I can not watch horror movies. I’m scared to watch them,” Sky explained. “She is such a bad ass where I’m like a tiny animal in a corner hiding. I’m a happy person, so we are totally different. That’s why we fit well together.”
Sky also reflected on her journey following a split from the Kabuki Warriors, emphasizing the individual ambitions that drove her and Kairi Sane to pursue their own paths. “When I was part of Damage CTRL, Bayley was our mentor. She was our leader,” Sky stated. “Everyone wants to be a champion…We are walking our own way. I like being able to tell that story.”
Looking ahead, Sky expressed a desire to participate in a dumpster match, a stipulation she hasn’t yet experienced in WWE. “I want to do a dumpster match. I haven’t done this before. It’s disgusting, but so funny. I want to put someone in a dumpster,” she said, jokingly suggesting Chelsea Green as a potential opponent. “I do not want to proceed in the dumpster.”
Sky also expressed pride in being part of the evolution of women’s wrestling in WWE. “I’m so happy about it. I sense now the WWE women’s division is the best. From the past to now, I think we are making so much history. I’m so honored to be part of women’s history.”
Following their SmackDown title defense, Ripley will compete in the Elimination Chamber match on February 28th, broadcast on ESPN+, while Sky continues her run as a Women’s Tag Team Champion.
